David MacDonald was born 27 April 1899. Nok Mrs Kate MacDonald of Caithness, Reginald St, Cottesloe. At the date of enlistment he was the area officer of the 86th (civilian) Brigade. Commissioned 28th August 1914 he embarked A11 Ascanius for Egypt. Wounded in the shoulder at Gallipoli 25 April 1915. After discharged from hospital he rejoined his unit and on the 28 June 1915 he was killed in action. Buried at Shell Green Cemetery Gallipoli, Turkey, Plot 2 Row G Grave 6 about 1,150 yards south of Anzac Cove. A Lieutenant’s pay was 14 shillings and sixpence per day plus a field allowance of three shillings and sixpence. In 1921 his family was still awaiting his service medals, 1914-1915 Star, BWM and VM. Prior to leaving Egypt for Gallipoli all officer swords were supposed to be labelled and left in storage at Cairo but David’s sword was missing and the only personal effects sent to his mother were: 1 brown paper parcel containing 6 photos, 1 gold ring with initials D.H.M., 1 E.P.N.S. cigarette case, 1 New Testament, 1 wrist watch, 1 wallet, 1 identity disc plus 1 tin trunk of effects including clothing, contents of same page 45 of his file. Photo on awm.gov.au site.
